Holiday Safety (Lithium Battery Accidents)

Exploding lithium-ion batteries have been increasingly in the news over the last few years. These batteries, used in thousands of toys and electronics for their powerful charge and minimal weight, have been found to be the cause of hundreds of explosions. Products ranging from iPhones to e-cigarettes and laptops to hoverboards are all powered by lithium-ion batteries. These lightweight batteries are powerful yet dangerous and volatile when heated up.

What causes the explosions?

There isn’t a short explanation on the causes of the explosions. According to Wired Magazine,

“By nature, lithium-ion batteries are dangerous. Inside, the main line of defense against short circuiting is a thin and porous slip of polypropylene that keeps the electrodes from touching. If that separator is breached, the electrodes come in contact, and things get very hot very quickly. The batteries are also filled with a flammable electrolyte, one that can combust when it heats up, then really get going once oxygen hits it. Not scary enough? That liquid is mixed with a compound that can burn your skin.”[1]

The bottom line is that the explosions can be caused by myriad factors including production problems, design flaws, problems with the charger, and damage caused by the user. The explosions have caused minor and severe burns and injuries and have damaged and destroyed homes and lives. Several companies including Samsung and Sony and have been forced to recall electronics using lithium-ion batteries in an attempt to prevent further explosions.

Tips to stay safe with electronics

If you notice any odors from a lithium-ion battery along with extreme heat, chemical leaking, noises, or heat; keep your family, pets and property away. These signals could mean that the battery may explode. In addition, follow these tips:

Avoid using third party chargers — use only the charger that came with your device.

Keep the device away from cold or extreme heat.

Don’t overcharge the device – unplug when fully charged.

Don’t charge devices overnight – it’s too easy to overcharge them.

Never dispose of lithium batteries in the garbage – take them to a hazardous household waste collection point. For more info, click here or visit https://earth911.com/.

Companies need to be held accountable when they fail to make products that are safe for consumer use. The manufacturer may be liable for injuries or damage caused by poorly designed or malfunctioning lithium-ion battery product explosions.

What to do if you have a defective product

Even if you have suffered what appears to be only a mild injury, seek medical attention right away by calling 9-1-1. Chemical burns can be deceiving.

Do not touch the product that caused the injury. Save the entire defective product in the exact state you found and/or used it. Save anything that was around the product and/or affected by it (i.e.: keep anything that was burned or otherwise affected.) The exact location and environment may be critical evidence.

If you can, either take or have someone you know take pictures and videos of the defective product in the exact location during the incident as well as any injuries.

Take detailed notes describing what happened, the date and time, and when you noticed anything different about the product.

Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any individuals who witnessed the incident. If you spoke to someone after the injury, get their contact information as well.

Contact an experienced, reputable personal injury attorney at Goldman and Daszkal, P.A. at (954) 428-9333 for a free consultation about your rights and obligations.

Timing is important because certain documents must be filed shortly after the incident. If you don’t contact an attorney soon after the injury, you may not get the opportunity to protect your rights and receive proper compensation.

Do not discuss details of your injuries with anyone other than the police, emergency medical services, and your attorney.

If you or your loved ones were injured from a fire or explosion from an e-cigarette, a laptop, cellphone, or other lithium-ion battery product, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. may be able to help. Contact us at (954) 428-9333 or www.goldmandaszkal.com.

Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout the state of Florida. The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury. For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.